Latest revision as of 13:21, 6 October 2009

Contents

Introduction

The computer's case is especially important for home center PC's (like VDR) since it carries the acceptance of the HTPC and defines functionality and impression.
Furthermore your case has to fit to the form factor of the Mainboard and should offer enough space for pci extension cards like DVB cards or sound card.

Requirements for your Case

Your case should probably

not look like PC

should be matching to HiFi equipment and/or TV

have a width of 16"..17" (~405mm - ~430mm)

have a depth of max. 17" (~430mm)

should be as flat as possible, but have enough space for pci cards

have interfaces like serial IO, A/V, USB..

be as quiet as possible, but should cool down all things inside

Problems

the smaller the form factor of the case, the more probably the DVB card doesn't fit into the case. Especially the height of approx. 15cm might be a problem.

Solution: Mount the card in horizontal position with a riser card. Attention: some flexible riser cards may cause problems with the PCI bus and are often difficult to locate.